NEW YORK — A year after the NFL pledged $100 million in support of independent medical research and engineering advancements, a huge chunk of that soon will be awarded to such research, primarily dedicated to neuroscience.

Cam Newton threw for two touchdowns and ran for two others, and Carolina’s big-play defence stifled the league’s top-ranked offence in a 49-15 romp Sunday for the NFC championship. It was the most points for a winner of an NFC title game.